IND vs SL: Revealed – Why Indian And Sri Lankan Players Are Wearing Special Armbands

Rohit Sharma-led Team India and Sri Lanka are facing off in the 33rd match of the ongoing ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 at the iconic Wankhede Stadium. It’s the same venue where the Men in Blue secured their second World Cup victory by defeating the same opposition in 2011.

Sri Lanka will be seeking to avenge that defeat by winning the upcoming game. On the other hand, India would be looking to extend their winning run in the competition. The hosts are currently the only unbeaten side in the competition with 6 wins from as many games.

A victory against Sri Lanka would make India the first team to seal a spot in the semifinals. And before resuming the rivalry on the cricket field, Sri Lanka and India joined hands for a beautiful initiative. Their captains Rohit Sharma and Kusal Mendis walked out for the toss wearing special armbands, which were also worn by all the other players, as part of a joint initiative between ICC and UNICEF to celebrate “One Day 4 Children”.

The initiative supports underprivileged children and delivers a message of hope and support for every child to survive and thrive. The initiative is in partnership with both the Board of Control for Cricket in India and Sri Lanka Cricket and is part of the #BeAChampion campaign. During the game, the fans will also be given an LED wristband that will be synced with a stadium-wide blue light show during the second innings.

The changing rooms pre-match ahead of the One Day 4 Children match. #CWC23 #BeAChampion pic.twitter.com/2UwLrb6Kkh

— ICC (@ICC) November 2, 2023

Rohit Sharma-led India to bat first:

Talking about the game, India are batting first after Mendis won the toss and opted to field first. With 2 wins from 6 games, Sri Lanka’s chances of making it to the semifinals are very low but there is still a lot to play for in the World Cup for them. They will be looking to finish in the top eight in order to secure a spot for the 2025 Champions Trophy.

“We are going to bowl first. I think the pitch will be better for batting in the second part. Everyone did their best in the last few games. Hopefully they will continue to do the same today,” Mendis said after the toss.

India (Playing XI):

Rohit Sharma(c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul(w), Suryakumar Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj

Sri Lanka (Playing XI):

Pathum Nissanka, Dimuth Karunaratne, Kusal Mendis(w/c), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Angelo Mathews, Dushan Hemantha, Maheesh Theekshana, Kasun Rajitha, Dushmantha Chameera, Dilshan Madushanka